Step by step through our Roman period
History rests beneath the Cologne soil
The Romans are among us! And you can take that literally. Ancient Cologne still shapes the modern cityscape today. Two thousand years later, the main streets and Roman ruins can still be found (almost) in the same places.
Cologne’s great importance in antiquity can be traced back to Empress Agrippina, who took a special interest in promoting her hometown. She elevated Cologne to the highest rank a city outside Rome could attain: that of a Roman colony.
Unfortunately, this city tour does not currently include a visit to the Praetorium, the Roman governor’s palace (instead, you’ll see one of the numerous construction sites through which the city is signaling that magnificent remnants of the past will once again be on display here “soon”). From here, the entire province was governed for several centuries. Why not today as well?
Stops include:
- Old Town
- Roman city wall
- Roman sewer system (soon to be open to visitors again)
- Praetorium (soon to be open to visitors again)
